Reflecting aspirations of the people of the relatively newly formed state of Telangana back in India, the Ugadi celebrations held by Telangana Association of New Zealand (TANZ) were marked with overflowing emotions revering the brand of Telangana.
The brand of Telangana state, separate from an initiative with the same name ‘Brand Telangana’ launched by the government of Telangana was the main flavour of the night.
The event was held on Sunday, April 2, at Mt Roskill War Memorial with many community leaders and representatives of other community associations gracing the occasion.
Amidst a range of colourful cultural celebrations, the event also witnessed the unveiling of new Telugu calendar and distribution of special Ugadi booklets published by the Government of Telangana, which depicts history, culture, heritage and festivals of the Telangana state.
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, President of TANZ, while delivering the welcome address at the event also offered to donate some books to the Tagore library at the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA).
The event was graced by, among others, Bhiku Bhana, Prakash Biradar, Lingappa Kalburgi of New Zealand Indian Central Association, Vai Ravindran of Auckland Tamil Association, and the chief guest of the night Hon. Consul of India Bhav Dhillon.
The main attraction of the evening was a sparkling display of young and fresh talent within the community as a pool of young talents – that seems to come from every household of the Telangana community in Auckland – participated at the Ugadi celebrations.
More than 50 children, some as young as three-years-old, gave an array of exhilarating performances on stage, both in groups and solo.
The performances included both classical Indian dances such as Bharatnatyam, Telugu folk dances, musicals from Tollywood and Bollywood and also a Haka by a six-year-old boy.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender, Mr Kasuganti, said, “On this occasion, we have made it a point to bring fresh talents in the community on stage, be it, children, teenagers or adults.”
The fact was also noted, acknowledged, and appreciated by guest speakers at the event.
“I am impressed with the number of fresh talents coming up within the Telangana community,” Mr Bhana said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hon. Consul Mr Dhillon also appreciated the hard work and talents of young children particularly to make such show successful.
Brand Telangana launched
The event witnessed official launching of ‘Brand Telangana’ an initiative by the Telangana government to exhibit the richness of the Telangana state, it's art, cultures, food, craft and clothing.
This initiative is also taken to support the growth of the handloom industry back in Telangana and the hard working weavers.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Vijay Kosana told The Indian Weekender, “Many traditional artistes like handloom weavers and craft makers from the region of Telangana are living in dire conditions. Their age-old skills and art is slowly dying due to lack of a proper market.
“The main purpose of Brand Telangana is to give an opportunity of access to the people of Indian origin in New Zealand to these traditional crafts and artwork.”
In support of endeavours of Brand Telangana, the executive committee members of the TANZ and other members of the community participated in a fashion show involving the hand-woven clothes from the weavers of state Telangana.
They performed a ramp walk on the stage exhibiting the hand weaved sarees, kurta, shawl and traditional lungi fashioned by men, women and children.